The Talios Multi-function Targeting Pod reached the first operational capability

French Rafale fighter jet equipped with Thales TALIOS multi-function targeting and recce pod. Photo Credit: French Air and Space Force (Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace)

French Air and Space Force announcement the Initial operating capability (Première capacité opérationnelle) for the "Talios" Multi-function Targeting Pod on Rafale F3r fighter jet.

The new pod provides extended capabilities compared to the Damocles electro-optical/laser designation pod, through the increased precision of its optics, improved geolocation of objectives, tracking of moving targets, augmented reality to add markers to the area, and infrared capability.

Thales TALIOS (TArgeting Long-range Identification Optronic System) multi-function targeting and recce pod. Photo Credit: French Air and Space Force (Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace).

TALIOS (TArgeting Long-range Identification Optronic System) combines targeting and tactical recce capabilities in a single pod. It delivers unmatched image quality, including colour imagery, and disruptive capabilities such as Permanent Vision and embedded artificial intelligence (AI) to provide combat aircraft pilots and ground forces with reliable situational awareness in real time.

With its open architecture, the TALIOS pod is designed as a “plug & fight” system for all existing and future fighter jets. Additional functions can be incorporated as and when they are needed to meet the evolving requirements of the armed forces.

Flight-tested for the first time in 2016, TALIOS was successfully qualified by the French defence procurement agency DGA, in 2018 for deployment by Dassault’s Rafale omni-role aircraft.

French Rafale fighter jet equipped with Thales TALIOS multi-function targeting and recce pod. Photo Credit: French Air and Space Force (Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace).